so this is a flashback chapter. I hope you enjoy it. this will moven a bit faster though, i didnt want this to be 2 chapters long.
Gohana deep down was really sad the entire flight back to the lookout. She was still utterly exhausted after that Kamehameha struggle with Cell, and her dad had just died. She knew they could wish him back anyway but it didn't make it hurt any less.
"Hey, you okay kiddo?" Yamcha asked finally, noticing she seemed a bit off.
"Yeah, and thanks for carrying me to the lookout. I don't think i would have had enough energy to make it." Gohana said a little sheepishly.
"Hey, don't worry about it at all. You deserve to rest a little bit."
It didn't take them much longer to arrive. By then, Gohana had recovered enough to stand at least. She still doubted she could fly, but Dende healing her would be more than enough to get home. Getting down from Yamcha, Gohana winced as the pain in her left shoulder arose, and she reflexively gripped it a bit. If only they had more sensu beans left, it would have already been healed. Even not moving it, it was pretty unpleasant and she could barely move her arm. Cell must have really done a number on it.
"Ah Gohana, are you alright?" Dende asked worried, running up to heal her.
"Yeah, I'm okay I guess. Just tired." she answered as she sat down to make it easier for Dende. It was really only her arm that really needed healing the most. Everything else would heal just fine.
Focusing his ki, Dende started healing her arm. He had healed people before but it was a bit harder now. He surmised it was due to the sheer amount of power that she had within her. Still he couldn't take his eyes of just how bad her shoulder looked. He could tell her arm bone was more or less shattered at the top, though the nerve was fine. But he knew he could do this. He could regenerate people, but he wasn't too sure how seamless this would be. It took him several minutes to get her to be fully healed, and when he finished, he looked at her shoulder and just sighed.
"I'm sorry Gohana, but I couldn't get rid of the scar on your shoulder." Dende said a little sad.
Looking at her shoulder, which she could now move pain free, she noticed a slightly star shaped scar. It was very faint, but it was there. Goahan just sighed and giggled a little bit, not really phased by it.
"Hey, you healed my busted arm and I can use it now, thats what matters. Besides, it's not like i don't have a few here and there anyway." she pointed out, causing Dende to feel a little bit better.
"Hey, now that that is taken care of, why don't we summon Shennron and get Goku and everyone else revived." Krillin spoke up, still standing near 18. "Hey, Dende. Do you think you could also heal 18?"
"To be honest, I'm not sure if my healing will work on an android. But seeing as she is human based, I'll try." He answered as she walked over to her and started.
"I'll go get the dragon balls from inside." Mr. Popo offered as he headed into the building.
It didn't take long, but Dende soon found that his healing would work on 18. Her artificial upgrades didn't even interfere either, it was no different than healing anyone else.
18 opened her eyes and shot up. Looking around quickly and not recognizing where she was, she glared at everyone.
"Where am I?" she demanded.
"You're at the lookout, you're safe now. Cell is gone." Krillin offered his hand to her.
Refusing the hand, 18 got up quickly and looked around. That didn't explain at all where she was, she had no knowledge of the lookout. She could be in a different dimension for all she knew. She kept glancing quickly at everyone, ready to counter attack. She was sure they would attack her again.
"Hey, you don't have to worry. We don't want to fight you." Gohana picking up on what she must be thinking.
"As if any of you could take me!" 18 reflexively shot back.
"I wouldn't be so sure about that." Piccolo calmly spoke up, 18 at least glancing his direction confused.
"You saw me keep up with 17, and even he admitted we were equal in terms of power. And I'm far stronger now that even I was then. Still, even as I am now I was nothing compared to Cell. And Gohana over there, Cell was almost nothing compared to her."
18 was in shock and looked back at Gohana. She beat Cell? How? All the data she had said nothing like this. And Gohana just looked like a normal little girl. How could someone like that defeat a monster like Cell. Gohana was a bit nervous just having 18 stare at her like that, and it was pretty obvious. Having had enough of the lies though, at least in her mind, 18 blasted off without warning just as Mr. Popo came back out.
"Oh dear, I hope nothing bad happened while I was away." he said as he placed the Dragon Balls on the floor near everyone.
"No, nothing too bad. Just the android being knocked down a peg." Yamcha said laughing a little bit. "Now, lets get that Dragon summoned!"
As the sky got dark, 18 suddenly stopped in her tracks and looked all around. It shouldn't be dark! And the sky can't change that instant either. Even if flying at top speed she should still see a sunrise or a sunset. Looking behind her, she noticed off in the distance a strange golden glow coming form where she just left. She was far enough away she could barely make out the lookout, but that thing above it?
"What the hell is that?" 18 asked in shock.
She thought about continuing to get away from them, but deep down she was curious to see what this was. And it was with the others. Certainly they had something to do with it. But they were her enemies, right? But then again, they did save her from Cell, somehow. And they did heal her, and they didn't attack her. Still a little unsure though, she made her way back to the lookout.
"I shall grant you any two wishes. Now state your first wish." Shenron's bellowing voice erupted.
"Great Dragon, please bring everyone back that was killed by Cell." Dende requested of him.
Shenron paused for a moment as hit eyes glowed red, and the familiar hum could be heard. Everyone just held their breath, even though they should know this works. They could see a soft light coming form Trunks, as the hole in his torso closed up seamlessly.
"It has been done, now please state your second wish." Shenron asked of them, just as Trunks opened his eyes.
Sitting up, Trunks held his hand to his chest, where he was blasted by Cell. But it was healed. only the missing armor was proof anything had happened.
"What happened?" Trunks asked.
"Gohana finished Cell, it's all over." Tien answered him, holding his hand to help him up.
Trunks took the gesture and got up, still feeling a bit surreal knowing just a moment ago he was dead.
"So that must mean everyone else is revived as well, right?" He asked.
"Yeah, but...I don't feel my dad's energy." Gohana spoke up as she looked around. Maybe she was just more tired and couldn't sense as well.
"Dragon, can you please bring my dad back?" Gohana asked Shenron .
"Unfortunately I can not do that. Goku has been brought back already once before. Even with a new Guardian, it doesn't change that." Shenron answered back.
Gohana looked worried now. Sure, Dende mentioned those that died can't be revived again, but she thought he meant if they died today, this was the only chance they had. That any revivals before didn't count since they were now Dende's set and not Kami's. Tears started to well up, and Krillin immediately tried to help.
"Hey, don't worry kiddo, we can ask if we can use the Namekian Dragon Balls to bring him back. They can revive someone multiple times, remember?"
Gohana's face lit up a little bit and she smiled again. "Oh, that's right I forgot about that! We can bring dad back again!"
"Absolutely not!!!" a voice out of nowhere spoke up, confusing everybody as they looked around, including 18.
"I will not allow you to use any set of adragon Balls to bring back Son Goku The dragons are bellow me and will not be allowed even if you try." Piccolo recognized this voice thanks to Kami's essence inside him.
"King Yema, you can't be serious. You never had a problem letting us revive people before! And you let every person Cell killed to come back. So why are you limiting it to Goku?" Piccolo asked.
"Because he didn't even need to! She could have finished Cell off immediately and instead, it is her fault her father died!" Yema nearly yelled at them.
Gohana's face just dropped as her face when pale.
"You earthlings rely on the Dragon Balls too much when it comes to reviving everyone. I am not against people caught in the crossfire being revived. But Goku directly caused the death of a Kai by bringing Cell to his planet. Accidental or not, is a serious crime! He is lucky he get's to keep his body at King Kai's own request! Therefore I will not allow that transgression to go unpunished. Even with Parunga, Goku will not be revived because you didn't stop Cell when you clearly could have. Consider this your punishment for unintentionally causing this Son Gohana, and consider yourself lucky I am not banning revival outright with the Dragon Balls."
Everybody was in shock. No one even knew what to say, even Shenron who was patient enough to not interrupt.
Gohana fell to her hands and knees as everyone could hear her trying to hold back her tears. Dende and Krillin ran to her to try to support her, but Gohana didn't hear them. All she heard was her father died because of her arrogance, and he will stay dead because of her arrogance. She was barely registering anything around her at this moment, everything just seemed like an empty void all of a sudden. She felt worse than she ever had in her life, even than just moments ago when she was about to give up against Cell.
"Well...do you have a second wish?" Shenron finally asked, feeling a few minutes to process this was enough.
Nobody really realized how long it had been. King Yema came and went so fast, and shocked them all with his decision. Everyone looked around, not having any idea what to wish for.
"W..what do we wish for?" Tien asked.
"I don't know, maybe we can wish to reverse King Yema's ban?" Yamcha offered.
"That won't do anything. The dragon is linked with Dende, and King Yema is above Dende. Therefore King Yema is above Shenron, and Parunga as well. That won't do anything unfortunately." Piccolo expanded on Ling Yemsa line earlier.
Shenron patiently waited for anyone to say anything. Normally he would have demanded an answer, but the fact Yema came into the situation made it clear this wasn't a normal situation. As normal as a wish granting dragon can be considered normal.
"Shenron, can you turn 17 and 18 back into humans?" Krillin finally asked.
"Wait why do you want to help those two?" Yamcha asked in shock.
"Hey, they were turned that way right? And clearly they hated Gero. He must have forced that on them. They shouldn't be punished for that." Krillin answered Yamcha before turning back to Shenron.
"Unfortunately they are beyond me. I do not have the strength to return them to their previous forms due to their unlimited energy." Shenron spoke.
"Oh, I see. Then could you at least remove the bombs they have inside them?"
Everyone looked at Krillin a little bit in shock, and even 18 hidding behind a pillar who had been hearing everythingust stood there in shock! They really didn't want to fight her, clearly. But he specifically wanted to help her? But why would he want to help her? And the same thing was going through everyone else's mind, except Gohana.
"It has been done. I bid you all farewell, and until next time." Shenron spoke up as he glowed in a golden white light as the Dragon Balls all arose before shooting off into the distance.
It was now silent on the lookout except for Gohana breaking down on the floor crying. No one really had any clue what to say to her. Even Krillin and Dende were just standing next to her unsure what to do. Everyone tried to offer some words of comfort but Gohana didn't even hear them. She mentally couldn't handle just what happened, but more importantly she couldn't mentally handle that her dad died, and stayed dead, because of her. She just stayed on the floor curled up crying loudly.
"Gohana, hey..it...I..." Yamcha was stuttering.
"What...should we do?" Tien asked as nobody spoke up.
The long awkward silcence was starting to get to everyone. They all wanted to help, but none of them even had to slightest clue on what to do. And it was making everyone a little bit uneasy as well.
"You fucking idiots!" they all heard someone yell.
Everyone turned in shock to see 18 running towards them, towards Gohana and stopped right next to her.
"Hey what do you think you're doing!" Trunks yelled at her thinking she was about to attack.
"A lot better than you fucking idiots! I'm taking her home!" 18 glared at him, and then knelt down to Gohana.
"Hey, kid. We gotta get you home. Do you think you can stand? Or fly?" 18 gently spoke to Gohana and placed her hand on her shoulder.
Everybody watched in shock as Gohana sat up, still crying with red puffy eyes and sniffed as she weakly nodded. Helping her up, 18 walked Gohana a few steps, not really paying attention. Wasn't 18 programmed to kill Goku? Then why was she helping her because her father died. None of them even trusted her, and 18 didn't care too much about that either. Though a hand on 18's shoulder caused her to stop for a brief moment.
"I don't fully trust you, I'm coming to make sure you don't try anything funny." Piccolo glared at her.
"Works for me. Means someone else can explain to her family what happened. And wpuld maling finding her exact house easier. I only know the rough area." 18 flattly said and floated a few feet in the air, with Gohana following a bit a little bit shaky. Before she left she turned back to the rest, specifically at Krillin.
"Later." And flew off slowly, helping Gohana, with Piccolo almost literally on her back.
"Do we really trust her?" Tien asked, very suspect of 18's true intentions.
"I don't know. I mean she did get Gohana to respond. And Piccolo is with her. But, i feel I need to go as well. I have a feeling I'll have an easier time with ChiChi than Piccolo. She still doesn't fully trust him i dont think." Krillin spoke up.
"I...I'm just going to head back to moms place. Krillin, could you please call later and let us know what happened?" Trunks asked him.
"Yeah, no problem." Krillin nodded and quickly headed off after them.
"Tien, Yamcha, what do you two plan on doing?" Trunks asked them.
"I'm sure Chiaotzu is worried about me, so I'm going to head back and let him know I'm alright. I'll head over to Capsule Corp tomorrow and see how everything is going. Is that okay with you Trunks?" Tien asked, Trunks nodding.
"Do you think I could come with you? I want to fill Bulma in on everything." Yamcha asked.
"That, would actually be helpful. I'm not too sure how my mom in this timeline will react." Trunks said.
"Then it's settled. I'll see you both tomorrow then." Tien said and flew off, the others following soon right behind him.
Ox King looked out the window the direction Goku and the others had left towards the Cell Games. He was worried for everyone. After BaBa's crystal ball stopped working earlier, it hadn't com back on. Though she could sense that it was over and Cell had been killed, that was it. He took a deep breath to try calming himself. He had to believe that Goku and Gohan stopped Cell.
Chichi walked to beside him and just looked as unwell. She was worried as well, but once everything seemed to stop she distracted herself by starting to cook something for her husband and daughter when they got back. She knew they would probably want, no, need to eat anyway. But it was such a stress relief mechanism as well, she needed to cook as well.
"When do you think they will be back?" he finally asked.
"I don't know dad. I can't sense ki like they can. I just hope it's soon. My poor heart just can't handle this not knowing anymore. But, I'm sure they are okay." Chichi tried to cheer herself up.
Standing up a little, Ox King squinted his eyes a bit to get a better look at something off in the distance. He didn't alert Chichi this time, as he had already pointed out what turned out to be just a plane or some birds. But soon he could tell it was actually people, and they were flying. That could only mean one thing this time.
"Oh, Chichi, here they come!" Ox King shouted happily and headed outside to wait for them.
"Wait, are you sure this time!" Chi chi was nearly on his heels, dropping the sppon she was using.
They did have to wait a few minutes, they didn't seem to be flying as fast as they normally would. When Gohana and 18 landed, Chichi only really registered her daughter, and ran up to hug her on her knees due to their size difference.
"Oh my poor baby girl, I'm so glad you're safe! I was so worried." Chichi eased off the hug and holding her daughters face to get a look at her, but she immediately noticed her eyes.
"Gohana? What's wrong sweety, are you okay? Where...is your...father?" Chichi asked now realizing the person with her wasn't Goku, she didn't recognize her. But she recognized both Piccolo and Krilling behind Gohana. But no Goku anywhere.
Gohana tried to hold back from crying again, as she had managed to stop halfway home. But seeing her mom now, she couldn't hold it back anymore. Embracing her mom, Gohana started crying into her mom's shoulder. Chichi didn't need to be told anything, she knew what must have happened. The shock hit her hard, but her motherly instincts kicked in stronger. She had not ever seen Gohana like this before, and she knew she had to try to save a brave face in front of her. Returning her daughters embrace, Chichi just softly rubbed Gohana's back trying her best to calm her, managing to hold herself together a little bit. But she couldn't hold back a few tears of her own.
18 was having enough of this sappy moment and walked back over to Krillin and Piccolo. She couldn't sense ki, but she could feel Piccolo the entire time watching her like a hawk.
"Looks like she's in good hands now. I'll be leaving now." 18 spoke up at was about to leave.
"Wait, why did you do this? Weren't you programmed to...well you know." Krillin asked, catching himself and being conscientious of present company already having a break down.
"You mean that old bastard? I don't care for his programming one bit, didn't really want to follow it either. Just didn't have anything better to do. Besides, he's gone and I have nothing better to do. And you losers clearly didn't know how to handle a heart broken girl." 18 said the last part a little bit softer, and looked back to Gohana and her mom.
"And why did you use that last wish on me and my brother?" 18 shot back at Krillin.
"Brother? Well I...it's just..." Krillin started blushing heavily.
18 just watched this tiny man in front of her start flustering with his words. She had to admit it was a little cute watching him squirm with his words. And not squirming in fear. It was oddly refreshing for her.
"Whatever. Maybe I'll see you again." 18 said, then glanced at Piccolo, and just flew off.
Piccolo walked up to Gohana and Chichi. He knew full well she was still a bit weary of him over the last few years. She trusted him enough to not kill them, but she still harbored a lot of resentment towards him. He didn't blame her though, but right now he was there for Gohana.
"Just leave us alone Piccolo." Chichi requested, trying to hold back herself and knowing she couldn't if Piccolo started talking.
Piccolo couldn't say that we was surprised in the slightest. But at the moment he was not going to argue with her. He just nodded and walked back to Krillin.
"You do what you want Krillin. I'm going to stay here and do some meditation."
"Okay Piccolo. I guess I'll head over to Master Roshi's place for now. But I'll come back tomorrow as well."
"Sounds good. Even when she was just four and I kidnapped her...she didn't react this badly when I told her what happened." Piccolo said.
Finding some shade under a tree, Piccolo floated in the air and started his meditation. He would wait a little bit until he sense ChiChi was ready to talk, or at least Gohana was asleep. Krillin wasn't fully sure what he should do next. Sure he knew Chichi wasn't fond of Piccolo, but what about him? And he was really worried about Gohana as well. Calmly and carefully, he walking up to them.
"Um, Chichi?" Krillin softly spoke.
Without saying anything, Chichi opened her eyes and looked at Krilling and Gohana was still crying.
"I...well...If you need anything, no matter what, I'll be at Kame House. I'll be over here asap." he said, realizing just letting her know he was here for them was enough for them moment.
Chichi just sniffed and nodded to him, acknowledging him, but didn't speak to him. With that, content that Chichi knows she can call him, he headed off into the sky towards Kame house.
Later that night, Chichi was tucking Gohana into bed. She was so tired and exhausted, she hadn't even eaten. She was physically and mentally too drained and tired. Chichi didn't even protest, at least not tonight. Making sure Gohana would be warm with plenty of blankets, Chichi gently closed the door and headed downstairs. She had been holding back all day.
Leaning against a wall, Chichi slid down and burried he face into her knees and finally let her self cry. She had long gotten over the shock of it but she still had to hold her feeling back for her daughters sake. But she couldn't hold it all back in. She had already lost her husband once against his brother, than he was gone nearly a year and a half in space, and now we was once again dead. But why didn't they revive him yet? Could he? Why else would Gohana be so broken if he was gone for good.
A soft knock on the door finally broke Chichis good cry. Wipping her face with her sleeve, she went over to the door and opened it to find Piccolo.
"Chichi, we need to talk."
"Piccolo, you know how I feel about you. And right now I am in no mental state to deal with you. So please just..."
"Its about Gohana! Please, if not for me at least listen to what I have to say for her sake."
This threw Chichi off. She didn't expect that, and it felt like her chest tightened up a little. She was very protective of her daughter, even though said daughter literally needed no protection.
"Okay, then come in i guess." Chichi moved aside to let him in.
Piccolo walked up to the table and pulled the chair back and sat down. This alone threw Chichi off even more, as the few years he was training with Goku and Gohan he hardy ever sat without floating, let alone sitting at the table. Grabbing the chair near him, Chichi also sat down. She could tell this was serious.
"I don't think Gohana will be alright for a little while, given how she is reacting to what happened." Piccolo started.
"Piccolo, I know Goku is dead. And I understand Gohana being sad, but seeing her like this? Just what happened?"Chichi finally asked.
"Gohana was overpowering Cell, making him look like nothing. And so he threatened to blow up the Earth. And Goku, well...He used his instant transmission to teleport Cell away so the Earth would be safe. Well, Cell did come back for a few minutes, but Gohana finished him for good right after." Piccolo started.
"But, why is Gohana reacting so harshly? Couldn't you revive Goku with the Dragon Balls?" Chichi asked confused, now knowing the technicalities behind the Dragon Balls.
"The Namekian Dragon Balls can revive someone who died multiple times, yes. But Shenron can't."
"Wait then why aren't we using their Dragon Balls to revive him? I'm sure they would let us use them?" Chichi asked confused, as Piccolo just closed his eyes.
"King Yema of the other world is banning us from reviving Goku with the Dragon Balls, as Punishment for Gohana."
Chichi shot out of her seat and nearly screamed at Piccolo, but before even a word left her mouth she caught herself. She didn't want to wake up Gohana.
"What do you mean to punish my daughter! She did nothing wrong!" Chichi said as calmly as she possibly could.
"Gohana had more than enough power to kill Cell, but she toyed with him and forced Cells hand. Goku, well he took Cell to King Kai's place, killing him as well. And killing a kai, directly in Gokus case, or indirectly in Gohana's case, is a crime. Normally she would be sent straight to a hell within hell as punishment, Goku as well. But thanks to King Kai himself vouching for both Goku and Gohana, Goku gets to keep his body in the otherworld, and Gohana is spared any more punishment than not being able to revive Goku."
Chichi just sat back down and was a little bit shocked. And it was very clear on her face that even Piccolo could tell what she as feeling.
"As far as Gohana is concerned, she caused Gokus death, and we can't revive him because of her actions."
Chichi just continued to sit there. She was unsure what to even say, or how to react. Sure she was sad herself, but she didn't know how she could help Gohana right now.
"Thank you, Piccolo." she finally spoke up
"I...may not like you but it is clear you care for my daughter. But can I please ask you to leave for the night." Chichi got up and just started walking to her bedroom.
Piccolo just watched her head out of the room. He didn't want to argue, in fact he had no desire to annoy Chichi. He just got up and quietly went back outside and returned to the same spot he had been meditating in earlier. He knew this would be a long while until she felt better. He just hoped she would be okay.
Gohana sat at her desk just looking at her text book. She had been blankly staring at the same equation for almost half an hour. But at this point she didn't feel like doing anything. Her stomach wouldn't stop growling either, but she just sat there. Finally standing up, Gohana grabbed the meal that he mom had brought her nearly two hours ago. But she only grabbed the rice. Sitting on her bed, Gohana painstakingly ate nearly one grain of rice at a time while just starring off into space, more accurately at the floor.
A small knock at her door didn't budge her, nor even get a response from her. Chichi opened the door regardless. It had been almost three months since the Cell games, but Chichi had learn to accept Gohana wouldn't really respond to her door being knocked on. Either she was too spaced out, trying to hard to focus on anything, or asleep. It was starting to cause her to worry for her daughter.
"Sweety, are you alright?" Chichi asked, noticing Gohana just staring at the floor with her rice bowl and chopsticks in her hand.
Going over to her, she sat down next to Gohana and put her hand on her shoulder, jolting Gohana out of her daze.
"What? Sorry mom what did you say?" Gohana now aware her mom was there.
"I'm just worried about you sweety, that's all. I just wanted to make sure you were eating something."
"Oh, uh yeah. I ate the rice." Gohana said without thinking, moving the rice bowl slightly.
Looking at it, Chichi noticed Gohana hadn't touched anything except the rice, and even then the rice was barely half eaten. And it was a rather small amount for Gohana. She was so worried about he daughter not eating much, but she did know Gohana would eat eventually. Maybe half of her meals she would eat, about half of it. The rest she would either nibble or barely touch.
"Gohana sweety, I..." Chichi started, a little unsure what to say to her.
"It's okay mom, I'll be fine i promise." Gohana put on a fake smile to try to make her mom feel better.
"Are you sure?" Chichi asked worried, seeing through Gohana's ruse.
"Yeah, I...I just..." Gohana looked back down at the floor with a depressed look on her face.
Placing her hand on her daughters shoulder, Gohana reflexively held onto it a little bit. This at least gave Chichi some happiness during these hard months. it took a little bit for Gohana to really have any reaction much, a few weeks in fact. And even then it was first to Piccolo she acted the most remote amount of normal. Chichi had learned over the last few months to truly trust Piccolo. She had seen how he was usually almost always around, or at least near the house. But he was always only a minutes away at most. And that was helpful as a few times Gohana had another episode, her energy spun out of control and Piccolo helped calm her down. And was even trying to help Gohana to not lose control like that as he knew how dangerous it could be.
"Anyway,before I forget. I'm going to be headed off to West City. I'll be staying there the night and getting back tomorrow evening."
"West City? Whats happening there?" Gohana asked a little worried.
"Oh, just a little check up at the doctor."
"Are you alright?!" Gohana nearly flipped out as her eyes widened, shocking Chichi.
"What? Yes I'm alright! Well a little under the weather the last week, a little indigestion or stomach bug probably. Bulma thought it would be a good idea just to get a health check up, it has been a stressful few...years. We're just making sure everything is alright." Chichi held onto Gohana's shoulders, trying to calm her down.
Gohana placed her hand on her mothers forehead and her own, and glanced her body up and down reading her ki.
"You don't feel warm so you don't have a fever. And your ki seems fine. Are you sure?"
Chichi watched with a mix of relief, and worry. This was the first almost normal few seconds she has seen Gohana exhibit since the Cell games. But right now she couldn't think about it too much. She couldn't help but smile a little bit seeing Gohana react any way other than depressed. Gohana just let out a soft sigh of relief.
"I want you to head over to Kame house tonight, Okay. He and Krillin are worried, and they want to make you something nice. And I want to make sure you are not alone."
"But Piccolo is outside, I won't be alone." Gohana pointed out.
"I know but they are really worried, Piccolo also agreed you should go, it might do you some good."
"Yeah okay, I'll just grab stuff and head over then." Gohana answered very monotone, before having something placed in her hand.
"I already packed you everything you would need in this capsule. Clothes, toothbrush. Just go, and don't worry about your homework." Chichi said, noticing how little Gohana had been doing the last several weeks.
'I just want you to feel better.'
Gohana landed at Kame House but just kind of stood there for a little bit. Taking a deep breath, Gohana got out of her own head a little bit and walked up to the door. She reached for the door before it opened, but Gohana was so out of it she didn't even realize and nearly fell forward. She was caught and was helped back to standing, and this helped bring out a little bit out of her own head.
"Ah, Sorry." Gohana blushed and bowed a bit, before looking up and seeing someone only slightly familiar.
"Oh, hey kid." 18 spoke up.
Gohana just looked at her, unsure what she was even doing here. She was aware what happened that day but this was the first she's seen 18 since.
"Um, what are you doing here?" Gohana asked, thrown off so much she could actually think straight.
"Im waiting for Krillin and that old pervert to get back from grocery shopping. You're early. We thought you wouldn't be here for a few more hours." 18 said and turned around and walked into the living room.
Gohana was thrown off enough that she wasn't very depressed at the moment, more like curious and confused. Walking in after her, Gohana sat on the couch and just stared at 18. 18 was just minding her own business reading a magazine on the couch with a soda. Eventually she noticed Gohana just staring at her.
"Take a picture, it will last longer." 18 spoke up.
"What? Oh sorry, its just...you're the last person I expected to see here."
"That so. Well ya may wanna get used to seeing me a bit more often." 18 casually said and went back to her magazine.
"Wait, why would I see more of you?" Gohana asked confused.
"Damn I know you're kinda going through stuff but are you always this nosey?" 18 asked without realzing what she just said, mentally face palming herself. 'damn it you fucking idiot.'
"I'm sorry, it's just...the last...ummm...how long has it been since the Cell games?" Gohana said, realizing she really didn't have a good grasp on time at the moment.
'Fuck I guess it hit her harder than Krillin made it seem.' 18 looked at Gohana a little bit shocked.
"Hey kid, can you do me a favor?"
Gohana looked at 18 a little confused, at this point not having any idea what she wanted. 18 was originally the bad guy, well girl, they trained to beat for three years, and now she's just sitting at Kame House sipping and chilling on the couch.
"Can you stop appologizing?"
"Yes, im sorry...uh sor...right." Gohana caught herself in the loop she was in.
"Look I know we don't really know each other, other than what was implanted in my mind, but can I ask you a question?" 18 put her magazine and drink down on the table in front of her.
Gohana just looked at her unsure what was going to be asked. "Sure."
"Can you try to have some fun tonight? Krilling calls you mom and talks with Piccolo almost daily about how you're doing. Even Yamcha and Tien and Bulma call either your mom or Krillin. Everyones worried. I know your sad, I lost my mom when I was five and my dad when I was nine. I can relate. But you gotta try moving on as best as you can."
It didn't occure that everyone was calling daily. She overheard her mom on the phone with them from time to time but every day? Why didn't her mom tell her? Granted her mom also hasn't gotten on her case about her homework much either. Or anything else.
"It's obvious they all care about you kid. And that is far more than I ever had until Krillin. But you gotta just find something that keeps you going, okay?" 18 continued.
"Find something to keep me going..." Gohana repeated.
"Trust me it gets easier to deal with. It won't ever go away, but do you really think your dad would want you to be wasting away like this?"
That last part hit Gohana hard. She immediately thought of her dad, when Dende had visited shortly after with a message from him, to 'stay strong and become that great scholar you always wanted to be', and Gohana let out a few tears. It hurt so badly that her dad was gone, but 18 was right! Her dad did want her to be strong! And he wanted her to be happy! Growing up whenever she said she wanted to be a scholar, her dad never tried to change her mind! He just smiled and said to work hard. He wouldn't want her to be wasting away. Gohana sniffed a few times, clutching her chest a little bit. No one had said this to her, but it hit her hard. Knowing she had been sulking by herself and depressed, her dad wouldn't want that, and she knew it. So why was she doing it? Maybe she just needed someone to say it.
"Hey, I know you don't really know me, but if you need something just ask. God knows the guys don't have an idea what you're goin through."18 said and went back to reading her magazine.
Gohana was deep in thought now. She was thinking back to the last several weeks, she must have worried everyone. They were all obviously sad as well, she even caught her mom crying herself to sleep some nights over her dad, yet here she was just completely shut down. She wasn't alone, why did she need a stranger to help her realize that. Maybe it is because she is a stranger she didn't worry about insulting her.
"Hey Gohana, when did you get here?" Krillin shouted once he got through the door and noticed her.
"About half hour ago, she's been sitting there deep in thought almost that entire time too." 18 said without looking away from the magazine.
"Oh, sorry." Gohana wipped her eyes with her sleeve. "I was just thinking. 18 kinda helped me realize a few things." she had a slight smile on her face.
"Yeah, ahahahha." Krillin nervously laughed a bit.
"Glad to see you smiling there kiddo." Master Roshi said as he continued past them all to the kitchen. "Give me just an hour and dinner will be all ready."
Krillin sat down on the couch next to 18.
"Man, it really is good to see you smiling again Gohana. We've all been really worried. You said 18 here helped you a bit?"
"Yeah, she uh. Kinda made me realize something. Um, now that I think about it, why is 18 here?" Gohana asked, fully coherent for the first time in a long while.
"Well, umm the thing is..."Krilli started stumbling around the question.
"Were dating." 18 answered the question nonchalantly.
"What, really?" Gohana said in slight shock.
"Well, yeah. But I was just worried, you know with everything, and what she is I...didn't know how to tell you." Krillin was actually more worried about Gohana having a mental breakdown with what Chichi had told him over the weeks. 18 was programmed to kill her dad afterall.
"Wow, so you finally have a girlfriend Krillin!" Gohana laughed slightly, causing Krillin to blush.
Gohana and Krillin just caught up a little bit, Krillin catching her up with what everyone was up to, even Piccolo. Yamcha went back to West City and started his Baseball career back up. Tien was thinking of starting his own martial arts school. He was a Budokai champion and runner up years ago after all. Vegeta was just spending his days watching soap operas according to Bulma, he lost his entire drive to train. Gohana had not seen any of them since Trunks when back to his future. She had managed to muster up the strength to be there but she didn't really interact with anyone then, she was too sad a depressed. So it was good to at least know everyone was doing okay.
"I'm glad everyone is okay." Gohana said sipping her own tea.
"Yeah, when you're up for it everyone wants to have a celebration. Not just for defeating Cell, but to honor your dad."
"To honor my dad, yeah I think I'd like that. I'm sorry for worrying everyone." Gohana looked sad again.
"Hey no worries Gohana. We understand what you're going through. But we're all here for you."
"Yo, dinners outside in ten minutes!" Roshi yelled from the kitchen
Outside a large table was set and the four of them sat down. Gohana was looking at the food and could feel her hunger rising. This morning the idea of going anywhere didn't sound like anything she wanted to do. But deep down, she was glad she did so she could talk with 18 alone. She needed to hear that. Everyone just stared at Gohana as her stomach started growling insanely loud, causing her to blush hard.
"Im sorry, I've been so depressed I haven't really eaten much lately."
"Oh, shoot. Had I known that I would have made more food." Roshi apologized, knowing a Saiyans appetite.
"What, No no i don't want to cause more trouble!" Gohana was now a bit flustered, hands waving in front of her frantically.
"Why not just give her a sensu bean?" 18 spoke up casually. "It fills us up for days but might at least ease that hunger of yours enough to eat like a normal person."
"Oh, that's a great idea. I'll go get one for ya Gohana, just one sec." Krillin said and headed inside.
"You guys have sensu beans on hand?" Gohana asked confused.
"Well, you never know when someone might get hurt around here?" Roshi nervously joked.
"Then stop trying to grope me and maybe I wont have to beat you half to death old man." 18 glared at him, causing Roshi to shudder a bit.
"Women these days, so full of fire."
Krillin returned a few moments later and handed Gohana the bean. Taking it, Gohana instantly felt a lot less hungry, but it didn't stop her from enjoying the food that Master Roshi had spent a lot of effort into making it. What was supposed to take 'just an hour' took him nearly two hours, but it was all really good. Gohana was actually enjoying herself a little bit for the first time in a while.
Later that night, Gohana sat on the roof just looking up at the stars. She hadn't really done much today but she felt exhausted. Finally breaking through the depression must have caught up to her, she felt relieved but tired. But she knew it wouldn't last too long, it was something to work on. And 18 did have a point, find something that keeps you going. But what was that. Hugging her knees to her chest and resting her chin now on here knees, Gohana thought deeply about what she should do.
"Hey kiddo, mind if I join you."
Gohana turned and saw Master Roshi poking his head over the roof. Nodding a little, Roshi climbed up the ladder and sat down next to Gohana, looking up at the stars again.
"Beautiful night, isn't it." he finally broke the ice.
"Yeah, it is. You can see all the stars here. and the sky is so clear. And the water..." Gohana looked down at the calm water reflecting the night sky almoat like a mirror
"I'm not sure what 18 said to you earlier, but I am glad to see whatever it was got through to you a little bit."
"Huh, did 18 say something to you?"
"No, just a feeling. From how your mother described how you were feeling, compared to the few genuine smiles and laughs you have had tonight, I'd say something clicked. And you only would have talked to 18 during that time, right?"
Gohana just nodded, surprised he was able to pick up on that so well.
"Do you mind if I asked, what was it that she said?"
"Oh, no I don't mind. She just made me realize how selfish i was being. Everyone is...sad about...about...just sad." Gohana tried not to break down. "But I'm not alone, and I have to find something that will keep me focused and going. And in time it will get easier. And she is right. I need to find something to focus on."
"I imagine for you that would be your studies to be a scholar, right?" Roshi guessed.
"Well, yeah thats what I want to be, but I don't know it that's enough of a focus to get through this right now." Gohana admitted.
"Shame that you don't like martial arts the way we do. Even though you are probably the best one of us, but for us, we can usually focus on improving our skill as a focus. It helps that it keeps the body strong, a strong body and a strong mind. A good balance"
"I honestly thought...I am the strongest of us...I should probably do some training to stay strong. Just in case another threat comes by. But...i just don't have that drive."
"Gohana, you may be only ten years old, but you don't have to do anything if you don't want to. True, keeping up with your training just in case may be benefic, yes. But think about every threat that has come before. The saiyans, you were forced and had no choice. The stuff on namek it was just chance you had to fight, no one expected a fight to occur. And the androids, you just wanted to help. It's high time you choose for you. If you don't want to fight, you don't have to train, i dont think anyone of us will fault you. And if something happens that you need to train, well we always have that special room. All I'm saying is, if you don't want to fight or train, that's up to you."
Gohana just listened to him. She wasn't really sure what to think about any of it, but she would try to remember that. looking back at the water, and how it reflected the sky almost perfectly, it almost reminded her of herself. The side that doesn't like fighting, but she always ends up fighting and i not the strongest. Its almost like she had two different sides to herself. And she did want to see the rest of her family safe. So should she fight? Should she train? Or should she give up all the effort she's put into almost her entire life and become just a scholar? She didn't know and right now she didn't even want to think about it anymore.
The two of them ended up staying on the roof for a while. Gohana mostly just listening to Master Roshi. And since they were on the topic, she did ask more about her dad when he was her age, or at least close to her age. She wasn't sure why but it was oddly calming hearing about her dad from someone else's perspective that knew him differently than her mom. And it was oddly relaxing to Gohana, and helping her move some pent up emotions, a little bit at least. And right now, that was probably enough for her.
Gohana woke up to the smell of eggs and bacon filling the house. She was a little groggy, partially due to feedback from all the stress she had been feeling for so long now, her body was finally able to start relaxing. But the not eating or sleeping well seemed to be back with a vengeance. She could finally feel just how tired she was, and hungry. But her hunger was greater.
Getting up and deciding to just relax and stay in her pajamas, Gohana walked downstairs rubbing her eyes a little bit, realizing that today would be rather long. But at least even she had to admit that she felt a bit better.
"Are you sure Gohana will like this? It seems kinda basic compared to the stuff Chichi makes." Krillin asked.
"It's bacon and eggs, who the hell doesn't like it!?" 18 defended herself, and then slightly blushed. "That, and I don't really know how to cook anything else. 17 did all the cooking"
"Maybe I have something to teach you after all then." Roshi offered, sitting in the living room watching them before turning around and noticing Gohana.
"Oh, good morning sleepy head. I hope you slept well!" Roshi greeting Gohana.
"Yeah, I cant remember the last time i slept this well. Or long. Probably since I was in the time chamber." Gohana was still very groggy and yawned.
"Well, good timing. Breakfast is almost ready. I hope you like bacon and eggs." Krillin laughed a little bit, and all three of them just stared at Gohana as her stomach growled even louder than last night.
"Well, that answers that! Let's get eating!" Roshi proclaimed.
Gohana sat on the couch just thinking. She had a full stomach, and a relaxing shower, and she felt a lot better than she had yesterday morning. What 18 and Roshi had told her yesterday were really sticking in her mind. And right now it was just her a Krillin. 18 and Roshi went to the store to get more stuff to cook while Krillin stayed behind to keep Gohana company and clean up the dishes. Finally finished with them, Krillin joined Gohana in the living room.
"Well glad to see that you are doing alright today."
"Yeah, I do feel better. I'm still really sad, I don't think the depression is gone but I do feel better." Gohana looked at the floor.
"Well even just breaking through it a little bit is a good start."Krillin reassured her. "I don't really know exactly what you're going through. He was my best friend, but he was your father. But you're not alone kiddo. Were all here for you."
"Yeah I know. I just feel bad being so depressed and worrying everyone else. You all must be sad as well, but I was just making it worse."
"I can't speak for the others, but I was worried about you. But i knew that you were dealing with it in your own way. And were dealing with it in our own way." Krillin leaned back into the couch and sighed.
"To be honest, grief hits us all differently, like your dad when I died."
"What you mean on namek?"
"Well that and the first time. Both times were similar in a way though. I got killed by a monster, and both times your dad got so much stronger to overcome the monster. Well, I guess a bit differently that second time. But when we were kids he did whatever he could to become strong enough to overcome it."
Gohana just stared at Krillin, trying to understand what he was trying to say. Krillin was able to pick up on it as well.
"What I'm trying to say is when you lose someone you love, you gotta find a way to overcome it. In your dads case it was literal. But for you, just gotta find what can overcome your grief is all. I'm sure you'll find that thing that helps you overcome this." Krillin gave her a thumbs up, Gohana just smiled and nodded a bit.
The phone suddenly ringing made both of them nearly jump. Krillin went over to answer it as Gohana continued to think about not only what Krillin just said, but Master Roshi and 18. Find a reason, find something to overcome, do what I want. But what is that?
"Hey Gohana, it's Bulma for you."
"What, is my mom alright?" Gohana nearly panicked immediately and quickly got to the phone.
"Bulma is my mom alright? Whats wrong?!" Gohana nearly shouted into the phone worried.
"Hey, calm down Gohana, she's fine. She just left to the hospital to just get a check up. I think I know whats wrong and its nothing serious. But why don't you come on over. She mentioned you were are Kame House right? You should get here by the time your mom gets back. Think you could head over right now?"
Gohana instantly calmed down when Bulma said she was fine and nothing seemed wrong, and she took a few deep breaths.
"Yeah, I guess I could. I could be there in about an hour if its nothing to rush for."
"No rush, just come on over, Okay? I'll make you both some lunch." Bulma offered.
"Okay, I'll head on over now then. See ya soon." Gohana hung up the phone.
"So is your mom alright?" Krillin asked.
"Yeah, but just going to head on over to Capsule Corp though. Bulma thinks I should get there soon. Would you mind telling Master Roshi and 18 I'm sorry for leaving so soon? And thank 18 againbfor a nice breakfast?" Gohana appologized in advance.
"Sure thing, head on over."
Gohana had spent the entire time to deep in her own head. She wasnt super worried, but she couldn't help but worry. Though it was very understandable, she trusted Bulma when she said everything should be alright. That alone was keeping her from getting there at full speed.
Landing in front of the door, Gohana went inside and went to look to Bulma. Since she was in the family area, there wasn't that many placed she could be. Assuming Bulma was in the family area. But where else would she meet her. Heading into the kitchen, she found Vegata. She hadn't seen him since Trunks left. And it didn't take long for him to notice her either.
"What do you want, brat!" he snapped.
"I don't know, Bulma said I should come here."
"She in Trunks' room." he answered as he finished drinking his water.
"Thanks, um are you in the middle of training?"
"No, I gave that up. Your fathers dead and you're way above me. What reason do i have to waste my time trying to surpass him now?" Vegeta walked past Gohana and headed to his room.
Gohana tried to not let Vegeta get to her. Mentioning her father did sting, a lot, but she just took a few deep breaths. Vegeta was taking is frustration at himself out, and Gohana didn't want to go back into that depression as best as she could. Now that she was starting to get out of it, she didn't want to delve back into it.
Heading towards Trunks's room, Gohana sure enough found Bulma bottle feeding Trunks as she sung to him. It was interesting seeing Bulma like that. Usually she was very gun go or doing something with tech or, sometimes scary. But this was very different.
Knocking on the door softly, Bulma turned at the sound.
"Ah, you came. Good. Here could you help me with feeding Trunks?"
"Huh, I mean i guess I could. Um do I do anything specific with the bottle?" Gohana asked a bit nervous.
"Oh, no not really." Bulma said as she walked over to Gohana and carefully handed Trunks to her.
"Just keep the bottle tilted up a very gently squeeze it if you need to." Bulma instructed her.
"Got it." Gohana said and was surprised at how easy this actually was. "Hey when did he switch to having a baby formula anyway?"
"A few days ago actually. It seemed like a decent time, but honestly it was because his appetite. My body just cant keep up with it. So I decided to just add in extra as formula. Vegeta explained its just because I'm a human, so a Saiyan appetite would need more." Bulma answered but then thought about it. "Gohana, do you even understand what I'm talking about actually?"
"Oh, yeah when I was learning about human physiology last year." Gohana answered and blushed lightly. "It was kinda awkward at first though."
"Right, I forget you're a ten year old with the scholastic knowledge of a near college student already."
Bulma just watched Gohana finish feeding trunk what was left in his bottle, and then play with him a little bit until he got pretty tired. Gohana just took him to his crib and put him to sleep and it didn't take too long for them to leave once he was out like a light.
"I gotta say you're a natural when it comes to handling a baby. Good thing too." Bulma said, causing Gohana to blush.
"Yeah luckily I dont have to worry about that for a long time."
"Well, lets head to the kitchen, I'll whip up some food for you and your mom. I'm sure she'll be hungry."
Just as soon as Gohana and Bulma got to the kitchen, Chichi had arrived as well with a big smile on her face. Gohana was a bit happy to see her so happy as well, and that made her feel a bit better. She had been really worried about her since she told her about getting a health check up. She was worried that something had been wrong or she was sick. She didn't think it was serious but she couldn't help but worry.
"Mom, you're alright! right?" Gohana asked.
"Oh, yes sweety I'm very much alright."
"So what was wrong? Was it just a stomach bug. What's been wrong? I've been so out of it I didn't notice anything was off." Gohana said feeling a bit bad about that part.
"Well I'm glad to see that you're feeling a bit better as well Gohana. You have no idea how much more happy that makes me!" Chichi smiled brightly.
"Yeah, but what about you mom? What did the doctor say? Are you going to be okay?" Gohana asked.
"I take it I was right this morning then Chichi?" Bulma asked fairly confident she knew the answer.
"Wait, Bulma you knew what was wrong? Why didn't you tell me?" Gohana was starting to worry and slightly panic now. How much did she miss?
"Sweety I promise you I'm alright, in fact i have some wonderful news!" Chichi calmed her daughter down by placing her hands on her shoulders gently. It was obvious she was starting to panic, and she didn't mean to cause Gohana to panic. She had already been through enough.
"Oh, if you're alright, why did you have to do to the doctor." Gohana asked a bit worried, but more calm. And from her tone it was very obvious.
"Well, you're going to have a new baby brother or baby sister soon!"
Gohana had a sudden surge of happiness, and it was obvious on her face to both Bulma and Chichi, just as they had hoped. Chichi was only suspicious of it a few days ago, and Bulma was certain of it from how Chichi had felt that morning. But they still wanted to be very sure. A ton of things were going through her mind at once now and she didn't even know where to start asking anything.
"Alright, I'm going to make you both some food then." Bulma offered and continued to the kitchen, Chichi and Gohana following.
Gohana could barely contain any of her happiness, as she was smiling. She was going to be a big sister, and she couldn't wait to meet them! And when they got older they could also get to know the rest of her friends and...
Then in a moment, it hit her. What if another threat came up? They would be in danger! But what if they needed more help? Her dad wasn't here. But they'd have another half saiyan! Would they be stuck having to join in on the training? Like she was? Gohana slowed her walk a bit and was still walking to the counter by the time Chichi was already sitting down. She noticed this as well, and could tell something was going through her daughters mind.
"Gohana, sweety, is something wrong?" Chichi asked worried, hoping her mind wasn't spiraling back into depression. But why would it right now? She was so happy just a mere moment ago.
There was a threat that was her uncle, and since then she was thrown into this. She didn't want to at first but in the end was glad that she did. Still she didn't get a say in it because her dad wasn't' strong enough on his own. She doesn't regret being brought into this life, but she didn't get a choice initially. Will her sibling? What about in the far future whenever she had her own family would she be stronger enough to keep them safe from a potential threat? At that very last thought, Gohana just stopped walking. Would she be strong enough to keep them safe. Would she be strong.
She didn't want to lose any more familiy. She didn't want her now sibling to be stuck into a life of combat if they didn't want to. But what could she do about that? She didn't know if another threat would ever arrive! The only reason they were strong enough now was because Trunks came back to warn them. Would they have beaten Cell and survived if he hadn't come back? But what was the difference? They trained for a threat. But there was no threat now. But what about the future? Her mind went back to last night and this morning. What they all had said. Find a focus, find something to improve, overcome it. And right now she wasn't thinking about the lose of her dad. She now already had a deep fear of losing her sibling due to her not being strong enough to keep them safe, or them getting hurt, by an unknown future threat.
Chichi and Bulma both just watched as Gohana was just standing there slightly shaking. Neither knew what was going on, but Chichi stood up to go to her. But Bulma just held her back gently. Surely something was going through her mind, and nothing either of them would say could help.
'No, if they want to fight or not doesn't matter! I'm the strongest on the planet. I can't just sit back and pray another threat doesn't show up! I wont let my family be in danger just because I'm a scared little child! I'm done being passive!' Gohana was so deep in her own thoughts she didn't realize she slowly transformed into her Super Saiyan form, as her hair slowly changed to blond.
"Gohana! whats wrong!?" Chichi ran to Gohana worried, Bulma now worried as well.
"Huh, oh, nothing mom. I'm fine." Gohana visibly calmed a little bit and smiled and held her moms hand gently, then turned to Bulma.
"Bulma, co...could...could I have a portable gravity chamber like Vegeta and dad had?"
"What, no you're done with this fighting. You need to focus on your studies! You've spend so much time training and barely studied." nearly shouted at Gohana.
"Mom, I know you want me to be a great scholar, and so do I. But..." Gohana looked down at the ground, and thought of her dad, how he died because she wouldn't finish Cell. How he should be standing right next to her when her mom told them she was pregnant. Her brother or sister will never know their father because of her. Tears forming on her eyes again.
"Gohana?" Chichi softly spoke, worried about her.
"Earth is as good as gone if another threat shows up and I'm not strong enough to stop it." she said whimpering, clenching her fist as she kept looking down.
"But sweetheart, there's"
"I refuse to watch anyone die again because I couldn't keep them safe!" Gohana nearly screamed, tears streaming down her cheeks and a few electric arcs danced around her as she unknowingly transformed to her new ascended Super Saiyan form.
Chchi and Bulma were so shocked and surprised by this that they both actually jumped back slightly. Neither of them had ever seen her new form, or even knew about it. Chichi watched as her daughter was standing there trembling and crying. Looking over to Bulma, who was in turn looking at her, neither having any idea what to do or say.
"I'm going to continue my training. I don't care what you say mom. I'm not giving up on becoming a scholar. But, I wont risk losing anyone else again." Gohana struggled to get out between sobs, and couldn't even look up. "I...I don't think...I can mentally take that." Gohana whimpered and started trembling while trying to not break down again.
Chichi knelt down in front of Gohana. Gently cupping her face, she brought Gohana's eyes up to meet with her own. She could see the fear and pain in her eyes, and it was instantly breaking her heart seeing her like this. Someone so powerful reduced to this at the mere thought of losing someone again. Chichi hated the idea of Gohana fighting more than anything. But she knew deep down that this is what Gohana needed to move on and heal. Chichi nodded and pulled her daughter into a giant hug, Gohana won.
"Just promise you'll find a good balance."
Gohana just sniffed as she nodded, holding onto her mom tightly as she came out of Super Saiyan and returned to normal.
After a few minutes, Gohana pulled away and wiped her messy face with her sleeve.
"Just...tell me anything I can help you with sweety." Chichi asked, which Gohana just smiled and nodded.
"Bulma, I'm going to go train with Vegeta right now. But could I ask for a portable Gravity chamber if you have the time to make one?"
"Honestly I already have one I'll give to your mom. But I don't think Vegeta will be so eager to train. He has't since the Cell games. You're more than welcome to try getting him to budge though. He's in his room though. two doors down from mine.
Vegeta sat on his bed flipping through the channels. This has been all he had done since the Cell games. What other thing could he possibly have to do with his life now. He had nothing left.
He heard a knock at the door and got annoyed someone was bothering him during his soap opera.
"Go the fuck away." he barked.
"I'm coming in." Gohana responded as she just walked in.
"I said, fuck off brat!" he snarled at her.
"Vegeta, were going to train in the Gravity Chamber. Let's go."
"Oh, like I'm going to listen to you. As I said, fuck off before I make you."
"Really, I'd like to see you try." Gohana used a little reverse psychology.
Vegeta accidentally snapped the remote controller in half at that. Standing up, he walked the few feet to Gohana and got right into her face, leaning over as he was still taller than her.
"I dare you to say that again."
"I'm starting my training back up right now. And you're going with me."
"Oh, and why should I care?" Vegeta folded his arms.
"You went berserk when Trunks was killed by Cell, it's clear you care for him. And I'd imagine deep down the same is for Bulma. And you want to keep them safe. Well, I'm about to have a baby brother or sister, and I want to keep them safe."
'What, there's going to be another Kakarot brat running around?' Vegeta got very tense at the thought.
"Once again, you didn't answer me why I should care?"
This wasn't going quiet as well as Gohana had hoped that it would. They both gave up training the last few month because of her dads death, though each for a different reason. She had to find a way to get him to train, she needed to. Not only to help herself train, but to make sure someone else were here to protect Earth. But all he ever wanted was to beat her dad. Maybe she could use that against him.
"Your main goal for years were to beat me father, right?"
"What of it?" Vegeta shot back.
"You saw how fast dad and I got stronger in the room of spirit and time. That's because all we did was train and spar against each other. Imagine how much faster you'll get stronger actually training against someone else."
Vegeta did have to admit she did have a point. Though he really didn't like that, he still didn't care. And all she was doing was pissing him off.
"You're fathers dead thanks to you, why should I care what you have to say." he barked back
Gohana was visibly shaken by his remark, and Vegeta noticed this and decided to try turning the tables on her.
"You're here asking for my help. But as far as I'm concerned you are always needing help. The first time I was on Earth, your friend Piccolo had to save you because you were to weak and scared. On Namek, you needed others to help you out multiple times. The android initial strike, you were so pathetic you were not even a Super Saiyan and were a liability. And even after you achieved that immense power against Cell, you still needed not only your father to get you out of a corner, you needed all of us to try and distract Cell so you could overpower him when his guard was down. Why should I listen to a fucking pathetic little half breed bitch who can't even fight her own battles!"
Vegeta suddenly doubled over in extreme pain and was thrown through the wall in almost an instant as Gohana slammed her fist into his stomach before he could even react. As Vegeta eventually managed to stop his momentum and hover in the air, Gohana was already on him with a follow up blow. Slamming her fist into him, she sent him flying even further into the distance.
Vegeta stopped himself once again and quickly went into his upgraded super saiyan state.
"All right you little brat you fucking asked for it!" Vegeta got ready to fight back against her but she quickly appeared behind him in her new ascended Super Saiyan state.
'What, she's already stronger than when she fought Cell?' instantly realizing the mistake he had made as Gohana slammed him towards the ground. Luckily at this point they were already beyond the city.
Vegeta slammed into the ground, barely catching himself. He sensed Gohana above him and barely had any time to avoid her striking him from above. Dodging backwards, he got ready to launch a counter attack but Gohana spun around and slammed her foot into his face, sending him flying yet again.
"You little brat, you'll pay for that." Vegeta screamed and readied another attack but Gohana appeared right in front of him, Vegeta unable to even follow her movements.
Gohana slammed her fist into his stomach hard, causing Vegeta to lose his breath and almost immediately passed out. Gohana returned to her base form and picked Vegeta up and headed back to Capsule Corp, assuming Bulma and Chichi felt that and would want to know what happened. But she would one way or another get it through to Vegeta.
Vegeta opened his eyes and saw the metallic sheen of the gravity rooms ceiling. Well at least he knew exactly where he was. Sitting up, his stomach still hurt. Wincing at the discomfort that was still there, he noticed Gohana was in the middle of the room in a one arm handstand reping out push ups. He stood up and realized that she didn't even turn on the gravity room. And she wasn't even aware that he had woken up either. How much time had passed anyway? It was obviously enough time had passed they got back and she dragged him into the gravity chamber. But that power earlier! He obviously saw her fight Cell and felt her power, but this was different. Was it because he was on the receiving end it? Or was it the extra boost a Saiyan gets when they recover? Maybe both?
"And what do you think you are doing?" Vegeta finally asked.
"I already told you, I'm picking back up with training. whether you want to help now or not, but i still need your help." Gohana just kept reping out puhsups.
"Fine, I'll at least consider it if you answer me two questions."
Gohana was a little thrown off that he agree to listen so quickly. She thought it would take weeks to get through to him. But she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Bringing her feet back to the ground, she walked over to Vegeta.
"Fine, what's the first question."
"Your power earlier, it was far higher than the highest I felt it when you fought against Cells final Kamehameha. How did you get your power that much higher just now?"
"Huh, against Cell at that point? I don't think I was that much stronger than I was at that point. My power was just a lot lower. I lost a lot when I saved you from Cell."
"You mean you beat Cell when you were in a weakened state and he was in such a powered up state?" Vegeta couldn't hid his shock at this.
Gohana just simply nodded. Vegeta didn't know what to think about this. How could she really have that much power! Especially at such a young age? Maybe there was something to the way her and her father trained afterall. Could he seriously get a strength boost like they had? Could he really get to their level? Or at the very least what he thought would have been Kakarots?
"Now, what was the second question you had?" Gohana asked him.
"Why? I thought you hated fighting? Give me a single reason I should believe you are serious about this?"
"Mom just told me she's pregnant, and it made me realize I can't just sit back and hope nothing bad happens. You're right, I don't like fighting, but I'm willing to accept it if it means I can make sure my loved ones are safe."
"Really? You're seriously willing to give up the easy road to being a simple bookworm, and train for a threat the may never come?" Vegeta wanted to clarify.
"I'd rather train for the rest of my life for a threat that never appears, than have a threat show up and I regret I didn't train." Gohana answered in a more serious tone.
Vegeta had to admit, he was impressed by her right now. Not just her raw power but her fortitude. She hates fighting, but is so willing to train and fight anyway? That must be her human side and her Saiyan side at odds with one another. But it didn't matter to him. She was being serious, he could tell. And an even more powerful rival potential? Maybe one day, if he trained against her, he could surpass Kakarot afterall!
"For a low class half breed...you're really not too bad. Fine, but you're teaching me how to master Super Saiyan and Get that form you used against Cell!"
"Deal, but you have to help me get stronger as well! I'm gonna make sure you don't catch up to me." Gohana smirked at him.
"Oh, is that right you little brat. Just you wait, I'll not only surpass you father, but I'll surpass you, just to wipe that smug look off your face."